New MARTA train launch postponed

MARTA had planned to bring the new trains into service following the celebratory ride for VIPs from Avondale to the Georgia State station, mirroring the first train ride on the system. City officials were notified Thursday morning that the event had been canceled.

The agency is in the process of replacing its aging fleet of train cars, dozens of which are nearly 50 years old and experience mechanical issues that disrupt riders’ commutes on a regular basis.

The process to get the new trains, built by Swiss train manufacturer Stadler for $707 million, has been difficult. Before Thursday’s debut was canceled, the rollout had already been pushed from last year. Frustrated by the delays, MARTA threatened to pursue a damage claim of more than $1 million in August last year.

MARTA has promised to get the new trains before the FIFA World Cup, which starts in less than two weeks. As of last week, none of the trains had passed the critical safety tests that would allow the Georgia Department of Transportation to certify the trains, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported.

Under the state’s policy, MARTA was required to notify GDOT at least 30 days in advance of when it planned to begin service.

That deadline was missed.

A day after the AJC published a story detailing the delays last week, MARTA announced it planned to proceed with the June 4 launch.

GDOT officials began inspecting the trains last week. A spokesperson for the state agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.